The daily etiquettes of Taoism were
gradually formed and finalized during its historical development process. These
etiquettes exist among not only the internal followers but also the common
believers. The form of the series of etiquettes approximately came into being in
the Song Dynasty (960-1279).
The common etiquette of Taoists is to make a
bow with hands folded in front (i.e. left hand naturally clenches fist over the
right hand). Sometimes, the four fingers of left hand clench the four fingers of
right hand, and the left thumb inserts into the part of the right hand between
the thumb and the index finger, while its tip is against the palm center of
right hand, and the right thumb is naturally under the left thumb, thus a
Taiji symbol (diagram of cosmological scheme) is formed. This etiquette
interestingly combines the connotation of Taoism. But in some more formal and
ceremonious occasions, people shall greet in the Dali (the most solemn
manner). In the Dali, the greeting person shall worship on bended knees
as in many ancient occasions of China. The worship on bended knees of tutors was
more formal even in ancient China, was quite like that of the antediluvian
times. So it was called as Guli (ancient solemn manner) in the Song
Dynasty. The famous Chinese ancient ideologist Zhu Xi once talked about it with
emotions. He said that the current pattern of Taoists to salute was quite like
that of our ancient ancestors, bending both knees on the
ground. In other words, younger generations should kowtow to the elders. It was
more complicated when they went to worship a deity because it was
necessary to install altar, ignite incense, burn paper, walk around the altar,
kowtow for three times and bow in salute for nine times, etc.
As to the common disciples, they must go to
the main hall to pay homage to deity on some important festivals or when they
pay to gods for blessing or fulfill their promise. The etiquette is as follows:
Disciple kneels down and kowtows, while a Taoist on duty is standing beside the
incense burner table and he will click the chime stone (one of the religious
utensils) every time when the disciple kneels down and
kowtows.